Jacksonville Probate and Estate Planning Lawyers
Estate Planning
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It is for anyone who cares
about protecting their spouse, children, parents, loved ones or themselves
in the event of injury or death. A well-crafted estate plan not only includes
a Will, but may also include a Trust, Living Will, Designation of Health
Care Surrogate and Durable Power of Attorney. A decision whether or not
you need a Trust should be made on an individual basis, after consultation
with an attorney skilled in estate planning.
Before you make a Will, you should consult with an attorney experienced
in estate planning so that he or she can discuss your situation and advise
you as to what properties the Will controls and what properties will pass
outside of probate either by joint ownership and/or a named beneficiary.
There is much more to estate planning than simply doing a Will. You should
know how your assets will pass on your death. Contrary to what most people
think, many financial accounts will pass to a named beneficiary and not
through your Will. During our consultation, I will discuss your bank accounts,
investment accounts, life insurance policies and other financial accounts
so that I can advise you as to whether or not they will pass down through
your Will or to a named beneficiary or “payable on death”
designee. I will also discuss the pros and cons of accounts with joint owners.
You should always review your Will and estate planning documents anytime
a major life event such as divorce, death or birth occurs, but in any
event at least every five years. Failure to keep your documents current
could result in unnecessary probate or assets not being transferred to
the person you have chosen.
I will listen to your needs and wishes and them provide the estate planning
services that are tailored to your individual situation.
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